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Evergreen Oak

Quercus ilex

Quercus ilex Quercus ilex
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Fagales
Family:
Fagaceae (Beech)
Also in this family:
Common Beech, Copper Beech, English Oak, Fern-leaf Beech, Red Oak, Sessile Oak, Sweet Chestnut, Turkey Oak
Type:
Evergreen tree
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
25 metres tall
Habitats:
Fields, gardens, grassland, heathland, parks, rocky places, seaside, towns, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Green, no petals
 
The Evergreen Oak produces inconspicuous flowers in the form of small catkins. The male catkins are long and slender, typically yellow-green in color, while the female catkins are shorter and green. The flowers bloom in spring, usually around April to May, before the leaves fully unfold. The flowering stage is relatively subtle, as the tree's main ornamental features are its evergreen foliage and acorns rather than its flowers. The tree relies on wind for pollination, and the inconspicuous flowers contribute to the overall reproductive cycle of the Evergreen Oak. Evergreen Oak is wind pollinated.
Fruit:
The female flowers develop into acorns. The tip of the acorns are more pointed and smaller than those of the English and Sessile Oaks. The acorns become brown later in the year.
Leaves:
The only British evergreen oak tree. Dark green, leathery leaves with their edges concaved inwards. The young leaves have spiny edges, just like Holly leaves. As the leaves mature, their edges become straight. The underneath surface of the leaves are covered in pale downy hairs.
Aroma:
The Evergreen Oak typically has a subtle, earthy scent associated with its leaves. The leaves are leathery and emit a mild, woody fragrance, especially when crushed or brushed against. The scent is not overpowering but adds to the overall sensory experience when in proximity to the tree. While the tree's fragrance may not be as prominent as that of some flowering species, the Evergreen Oak's subtle, natural aroma contributes to the pleasant ambiance of its surroundings.
Other Names:
Holly Oak, Holly-leaved Oak, Holm Oak, Mediterranean Oak.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other Information

Summary

Quercus ilex, also known as the holm oak or holly oak, is a species of evergreen oak tree in the Fagaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia, and is widely cultivated in many parts of the world as an ornamental tree and for timber. The tree can grow up to 25 meters tall, and has a dense, spreading crown. The leaves are glossy and dark green, and are usually spiny on the margins. The tree produces small, yellowish-green flowers in the spring and acorns in the fall. The acorns are an important food source for wildlife. The tree is known for its hardiness, durability, and resistance to fire, which makes it a valuable timber species. It is also used in traditional medicine and in landscaping, often planted in parks, gardens, and along streets.

Blog

The Evergreen Oak, also known as Quercus ilex, is a majestic tree species that belongs to the oak family, Fagaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in various countries, including Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, and Greece.

The Evergreen Oak is a slow-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 25 meters and a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. It has a broad, rounded crown, with thick, dark green leaves that are glossy on the upper surface and pale green underneath. The leaves are small, measuring 4-8cm in length and 2-4cm in width. They are also leathery and tough, which helps the tree to resist drought and high temperatures.

The Evergreen Oak produces acorns, which are the fruit of the tree. The acorns are oval-shaped and measure about 2-3cm in length. They have a hard outer shell and a nutty flavor. They are an important food source for many animals, including squirrels, deer, and wild boar.

The Evergreen Oak has been an important tree for human beings for thousands of years. It has been used for various purposes, including fuel, charcoal, and furniture. Its wood is hard and durable, making it ideal for making furniture, flooring, and tools.

The Evergreen Oak is also used in traditional medicine. Its leaves, bark, and acorns have been used to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, inflammation, and fever.

In addition to its practical uses, the Evergreen Oak is also valued for its aesthetic qualities. Its thick, dark green leaves and rounded crown make it a popular tree for landscaping and ornamental purposes.

The Evergreen Oak is a hardy tree that can thrive in a wide range of conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, but it can also tolerate shade and poor soil conditions. It is also drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall.

Unfortunately, like many other tree species, the Evergreen Oak is under threat from habitat loss, disease, and climate change. In some areas, it is also threatened by overgrazing and urbanization. It is important to protect and conserve this valuable tree species to ensure that it continues to thrive for generations to come.

The Evergreen Oak, also known as Holm Oak, is an important tree species in Mediterranean ecosystems. It is a key component of the Mediterranean forest ecosystem and plays an important role in maintaining soil stability, preventing erosion, and providing habitat for a wide range of animal and plant species.

The Evergreen Oak has a long lifespan and can live for several centuries. It is also a slow-growing tree and can take many years to reach maturity. Because of its slow growth rate, it is vulnerable to overharvesting and habitat destruction.

One of the unique features of the Evergreen Oak is its ability to regenerate from the root system. This means that even if the tree is cut down or damaged, it can grow back from its root system. This makes the tree highly resilient and adaptable to changing environmental conditions.

The Evergreen Oak is also important for carbon sequestration. As a long-lived tree species, it can store large amounts of carbon dioxide in its biomass, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. In addition, the tree's extensive root system can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, which can also help to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The Evergreen Oak is an important cultural symbol in Mediterranean countries, and it has been featured in art, literature, and folklore for centuries. It is also an important part of traditional Mediterranean cuisine, with its acorns being used to make flour and oil, and its leaves being used to flavor dishes.

In recent years, there has been increased awareness of the importance of the Evergreen Oak for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. Efforts are underway to protect and conserve this important tree species through habitat restoration, reforestation, and sustainable management practices.

The Evergreen Oak is also known for its role in shaping the landscape of the Mediterranean region. Its dense foliage provides shade and shelter for a variety of plant and animal species, and its acorns are an important food source for wildlife. The tree also plays an important role in the Mediterranean agriculture, as it provides a habitat for bees that help to pollinate crops.

In addition to its ecological and cultural importance, the Evergreen Oak has also been the subject of scientific research. Researchers have studied the tree's genetics, physiology, and ecology to better understand its adaptation to the Mediterranean climate and to develop strategies for its conservation.

One area of research that has received particular attention is the Evergreen Oak's ability to resist drought and high temperatures. As global temperatures continue to rise, this trait has become increasingly important for the survival of many plant species. Scientists are studying the genetic and physiological mechanisms that allow the Evergreen Oak to tolerate these extreme conditions, with the hope of identifying strategies that can be used to improve the resilience of other plant species.

Despite its many benefits, the Evergreen Oak is facing a number of threats. Habitat loss, climate change, and disease are all contributing to the decline of this important tree species. In addition, overgrazing and forest fires are also major threats, particularly in areas where traditional land management practices have been abandoned.

To address these threats, conservationists are working to raise awareness of the importance of the Evergreen Oak and to promote sustainable land management practices. Efforts are also underway to restore degraded habitats, reforest areas that have been cleared, and to establish protected areas to safeguard the tree's genetic diversity.

In conclusion, the Evergreen Oak is a remarkable tree species that plays an important role in Mediterranean ecosystems and cultures. Its resilience and adaptability make it an important model for scientific research, and its conservation is essential for maintaining the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the region. By working together to protect and conserve this valuable tree species, we can ensure that it continues to provide benefits for generations to come.

Facts about the Evergreen Oak

Here are 20 facts about the Evergreen Oak:

  1. The Evergreen Oak is also known as Holm Oak or Holly Oak.
  2. Its scientific name is Quercus ilex.
  3. It is a native tree species in the Mediterranean region.
  4. The tree can grow up to 25-30 meters in height.
  5. Its leaves are leathery and dark green, and remain on the tree throughout the year.
  6. The tree produces acorns that are an important food source for wildlife and humans.
  7. The Evergreen Oak has a long lifespan and can live for several centuries.
  8. It is a slow-growing tree and can take many years to reach maturity.
  9. The tree is highly adaptable and can grow in a variety of soil types and climatic conditions.
  10. Its root system allows it to regenerate even if the tree is cut down or damaged.
  11. The Evergreen Oak is an important component of the Mediterranean forest ecosystem.
  12. The tree is a key species for soil stabilization and erosion prevention.
  13. It is also important for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.
  14. The Evergreen Oak has cultural significance in the Mediterranean region and is featured in art, literature, and folklore.
  15. The tree's acorns are used to make flour and oil, and its leaves are used to flavor dishes.
  16. The Evergreen Oak is an important habitat for a wide range of animal and plant species.
  17. The tree's dense foliage provides shade and shelter for wildlife.
  18. The Evergreen Oak plays an important role in Mediterranean agriculture by providing a habitat for bees.
  19. The tree's ability to resist drought and high temperatures makes it a valuable model for scientific research.
  20. The Evergreen Oak is facing threats from habitat loss, climate change, disease, overgrazing, and forest fires.

The Evergreen Oak, also known as Holm Oak or Holly Oak, is a native tree species in the Mediterranean region. It is an important component of the Mediterranean forest ecosystem, providing soil stabilization, erosion prevention, and habitat for a wide range of animal and plant species. The tree has cultural significance in the region and is used for food and medicine. The Evergreen Oak is also important for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation, and its ability to resist drought and high temperatures makes it a valuable model for scientific research. Despite its many benefits, the Evergreen Oak is facing threats from habitat loss, climate change, disease, overgrazing, and forest fires. Efforts are underway to protect and conserve this important tree species for future generations.

Videos

Video 1: Evergreen Oak filmed in Thorpeness, Suffolk on the 1st July 2022.

 

Video 2: The Evergreen Oak filmed at Haigh Hall in Lancashire on the 27th April 2023 (in flower) and 9th September 2023 (in fruit).

 

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Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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